Three Packaging Trends for Product Based Businesses

Let’s talk about three packaging trends for product-based businesses.

Most retail products will need some form of packaging. Retail packaging tells the customer about the product, the company that made it and most importantly – protects the product!

Packaging can cover everything from boxes to fit the product in, swing tags, hangers, tissue paper, stickers, leaflets and postal packaging.

All of these elements are a way to tell your customers more about your business and brand story.

Your packaging can make your products stand out on a shelf or add that extra element of delight when a customer opens their parcel when they have bought online. So it’s always worth considering what your packaging is whether you sell in a brick and mortar shop, wholesale or online.

So today I’m going to discuss three packaging trends to inspire you, consider in your product development process and also factor into your marketing strategy.

As with all trends I talk about, please pick and choose the ideas that stand out to you and design something that will suit your brand.

But I will caveat this with don’t overspend on packaging before you are ready. Packaging had to be factored into your profit margin, overwise you are not taking into account all costs into what makes up your product.

You can start small and grow your packaging. Think stickers on plain boxes before adding in personalised tissue paper and boxes.

As always I have curated a visually inspiring Pinterest board featuring these three packaging trends for you to browse.

Packvertising

The phrase packvertising was created by Perry Haydn Taylor, the founder and creative director of an agency, Big Fish, and is a way of using your packaging as a form of advertising.

“Packvertising is a nimble, low-budget advertising trick. Through making a first impression, you can immediately get down to one of the main meanings of advertising, relationship building!” – Packhelp

So this is all about catching your customers attention, however, it is more subtle as it’s not a direct advert. Plus you can use showcase the product, it’s USP’s and your brand all with packvertising.

Use it to tell your brand story so customers fall in love with your business. Combine the message with on-brand graphics, typography, illustrations and photography. Just make sure this is consistent across all your products.

Think about how you can show off the product within the box too. Cut out sections and flaps to show the finished product means items such as foods can be more appealing, or you can see patterns, texture or even feel a product.

Reusable and multi-use packaging

We’re all looking to cut our waste consumption at the moment, so excess packaging that can’t be reused seems an unnecessary waste.

So have a think about how your packaging can add to the product you’re selling. Maybe a box can be reused in a functional way and provides an added bonus to whoever buys it?

Consider reusable and multi-use packaging ideas such as:

Boxes that can be used as storage afterwards
Reuse bags or boxes for regifting purposes
Wine that comes in something that can be used as a glass
Can customers cut out useful elements on your packaging such as a bookmark or a gift tag
And don’t forget about older customers. How can you make your packaging easy to hold and use

Sustainable packaging

Following on from multi-use packaging, sustainable packaging is something you should definitely be considered and using.

Less waste, recycling and eco-friendly purchases are all affecting customers’ purchase habits.

Aa rise in natural materials has been trending for a while, alongside a need for brands to be more ethical and transparent in their values. And smaller businesses are ideally placed to do this!

Think about the following materials to use as a sustainable alternative